I Feel Like I can Eat Too Much - No Fill Yet

[healthychange 1]

Hi everyone, I was banded 2 1/2 weeks ago. Doctor had me start back on solid foods after 2 weeks. I worry that I can eat more than I should, and it is not causing discomfort. For example, I can eat a 6" Subway turkey sandwich on wheat bread or a hamburger with bun, and I get full but not overly full. I chew really well don't eat any sides like chips or fries. Still, isn't this too much food for one meal? If I stop halfway through and wait a while I am not full so then I finish. Luckiliy I have not been hungry at all between meals, and I am tracking calories and Protein. I have lost 2 pounds and surgeon says not to worry about losing until after my first fill, which he has scheduled for August 29, two weeks from today.

Any feedback on whether the amount of food I can eat is "normal" at this stage would be appreciated. Thank you!

[genesishanna 2]

These are the types of post that scare me. I will have to leave it to the veterans to tell you things based on experience, since I have only been banded for 3 days. However, I will say that I cant even imagine eating a subway sandwich or hamburger at this point for many different reasons. I can honestly say that I don't know whether I am full or not, but i do know that i am not hungry, so I don't eat.

My Doctor's office also provided me with a calender of what I should be eating week to week, so I will follow that. For example, the first 3 days was Clear Liquids. Starting today I can move to full liquids for the next week, so I started with a Protein Shake. I know I can have healthy choice Soups or cream of wheat (which I love) but I'm not hungry, so if I were to eat it, it would only be because I could or because its there. Those are the same behaviors I had which lead me to my weight issues in the first place, so I have to be mindful of that.

According to my calender, at 2 1/2 weeks post-op I should be somewhere between puree foods and soft foods. I cant imagine it now, but I's sure I will be thankful for it later. I don't see how sandwiches and hamburgers fit that criteria, especially when we are supposed to stay away from raw vegtables and salads for 6 weeks and carbs for 6 months. I hope you don't think I am beating you up, but we have to make smart choices in our journey. Regardless of what the doctor or anyone else says we cant do the same things we did before and expect different results.

Its never to late to start fresh. I pray the best for you on this journey. Be Blessed- Nicole!

[loserbob 11]

Most people dont have Fluid in their band right after surgery. Drs. are more concerned with your body healing. Usually shortly after surgery you cant eat much because of swelling, then once the swelling goes down you can eat more. Even with a few fills you might not feel any different, I have 7.1cc in an 11 cc band(had about 5 fills) and still have a fairly good appetite! Everyones different, the best advice is to follow your drs. orders and you should do great. Im sure it took a long time to get to weight your at so dont be disappointed if it takes a while to get to were you want to be. You'll probably experience ups and downs throughout your journey but remember its a learning process and a lifestyle change. Dont worry, you'll figure it out as you go. You'll also find alot of advice and support on here when needed.

[screeden 21]

It is normal. you are just ready for a fill! i did the same thing. after a couple of weeks, when i was back on solids, i was surprised at how much i could eat again. but found that it was normal and i would eat less after i had a fill and i did. i am on my 3rd fill, will have 4th this week and my appetite was cut dramatically after the fills. You are doing fine. your body is adjusting. just don't over do it and eat like you used to.

[joleng5 9]

that is completely normal my dr. doesnt put any Fluid in at operation i have had 2 fills 2.5 cc in 10cc band and can eat that much. I have a little restriction as i notice i am not eating like i used to but feel i can still eat a good amount. i am losing slow but steady as i have lost almost 30 lbs in 9 1/2 weeks. good luck!!

[healthychange 1]

Thanks to those of you who shared that you've had a similar experience.

To Nicole: I don't feel beat up, but I do think you need to realize that not all surgeons have people follow the same eating plan. Mine had me on liquids for one week, mushies for the second week, and full-on normal food starting the third week. Though your doc requires you stay away from veggies and salads for 3 weeks and carbs for 6 months, mine does not. I have to follow a 1200 calories a day diet and eat 60 grams of Protein daily, and I have been doing that. I wasn't asking for commentary on m food choices, but rather the voice of experience on whether the amount of food I can eat is normal.

These are the types of post that scare me. I will have to leave it to the veterans to tell you things based on experience, since I have only been banded for 3 days. However, I will say that I cant even imagine eating a subway sandwich or hamburger at this point for many different reasons. I can honestly say that I don't know whether I am full or not, but i do know that i am not hungry, so I don't eat.

My Doctor's office also provided me with a calender of what I should be eating week to week, so I will follow that. For example, the first 3 days was clear liquids. Starting today I can move to full liquids for the next week, so I started with a Protein shake. I know I can have healthy choice Soups or cream of wheat (which I love) but I'm not hungry, so if I were to eat it, it would only be because I could or because its there. Those are the same behaviors I had which lead me to my weight issues in the first place, so I have to be mindful of that.

According to my calender, at 2 1/2 weeks post-op I should be somewhere between puree foods and soft foods. I cant imagine it now, but I's sure I will be thankful for it later. I don't see how sandwiches and hamburgers fit that criteria, especially when we are supposed to stay away from raw vegtables and salads for 6 weeks and carbs for 6 months. I hope you don't think I am beating you up, but we have to make smart choices in our journey. Regardless of what the doctor or anyone else says we cant do the same things we did before and expect different results.

Its never to late to start fresh. I pray the best for you on this journey. Be Blessed- Nicole!

[genesishanna 2]

Thanks to those of you who shared that you've had a similar experience.

To Nicole: I don't feel beat up, but I do think you need to realize that not all surgeons have people follow the same eating plan. Mine had me on liquids for one week, mushies for the second week, and full-on normal food starting the third week. Though your doc requires you stay away from veggies and salads for 3 weeks and carbs for 6 months, mine does not. I have to follow a 1200 calories a day diet and eat 60 grams of Protein daily, and I have been doing that. I wasn't asking for commentary on m food choices, but rather the voice of experience on whether the amount of food I can eat is normal.

I apologize if I came off wrong. I am new to this and cant give any advice. I guess I was responding out of my own fears of returning to old habits. I honestly wish the best for you and us all because this is not an easy journey.

[aliciab 8]

From everything that I've read on here you are right where you need to be. You have no restriction in your band yet. You're doing just fine. My doctor also has a very simple eating plan as well. Low carb diet for one week prior to surgery and then after it's one to two weeks of healing and then solids as tolerated. It's not a set plan for every person.

[aliciab 8]

From everything that I've read on here you are right where you need to be. You have no restriction in your band yet. You're doing just fine. My doctor also has a very simple eating plan as well. Low carb diet for one week prior to surgery and then after it's one to two weeks of healing and then solids as tolerated. It's not a set plan for every person.

Seriously these ads are getting annoying.

[lifeisgreat64 0]

WOW.... i would never test my band like that but i have been banded since the 10th and i just started on the protien shakes this morning and i took that slow i wouldnt want to damage my banded by doing to much to early and i would not be eating at subway. or a hamber remember they reason why you got to this point in the first place this is a scary post and i would rethink what i am eating if i was you and also consult your dr fast thats crazy. take care

[Mscarter007 0]

DON'T WORRY!!!! It is perfectly normal. I was "healed" about a week after. My band has absolutely no Fluid in it for the same reason loserbob stated. Everyone heals at different paces and once you are healed you can eat as you normally were before. Maybe a bit less. Some people can't imagine doing what you have done because they haven't been faced with what you have......yet. However, for those of us who have experienced........it is perfectly fine. Just try to put the healthiest things in your body so you don't face disappointment. Good Luck.

[healthychange 1]

Thanks for your comment - keep in mind, a 6 inch Subway turkey sandwich is 280 calories - well within the 1200 calories a day I have been advised to eat. Our old habits were things like foot long subs and chips and Cookies with it. The great thing about a lapband is it will help us get full on less, and help us make smarter food choices. That deosn't mean EVERYTHING from the past is bad. 12 inch sub with cheese and fattening sauces = bad. 6 inch sub with healthy veggies and no sauces = good.

I have confidence in my ability to make smart choices with the help my my band.

BTW - 2 1/2 weeks after surgery I feel 100% great!

WOW.... i would never test my band like that but i have been banded since the 10th and i just started on the protien shakes this morning and i took that slow i wouldnt want to damage my banded by doing to much to early and i would not be eating at subway. or a hamber remember they reason why you got to this point in the first place this is a scary post and i would rethink what i am eating if i was you and also consult your dr fast thats crazy. take care

[Agape183 0]

Wow!! I am 10 days post op with no fill yet either. I can't finish anything yet....well I can.. it takes me a bit of time. It takes me an hour for a Protein shake and I have to re-visit a Soup several times before I can finish it. I am afraid I am not eating enough or taking in enough fluids. Just trying to get in the daily amount of Water makes me so full. I went to a restaurant last night with friends and just the smell of the food made me full. I took my Soup home. Mind you I ordered 1 soup and the server needed two take home soup bowls to get all of the soup that he served me in one bowl. It's amazing how conscious I am of the portions now. I would have eaten that soup and then some before this surgery. I went from 273 the day of surgery and am now 268. I was originally 298. No excercise yet(am starting walking today) except light weights....trying to prevent sagging skin. My friends who have had the procedure are encouraging me to eat more(they said Protein shakes should be my best friend right now) so that I get my nutrients so maybe it is ok that you can eat it but in a week or two it may be a drastic change for you when you cannot. I am trying to stay away from carbs. My surgeon told me with or without this surgery carbs are not my friend.

How would you describe your full feeling? I get a pressure in my chest. The first week it was a little painful but not anymore. As soon as I feel that pressure I stop eating or drinking.

Oh, and remember you can still stretch your stomach if you eat too much which would defeat the purpose of doing the surgery. Slowly but surely every little bit gives you more room to eat. I know one person who followed the rules and it worked great and she looks great and another who lost weight at first but eventually she fell off the wagon and is still big...so take your time. This is said with love :-)

[Mrs. Schultz 0]

Thank you so much for posting this! I feel the same and have been so worried about it. My band will be 4 weeks old tomrorrow. I also get my first fill tomorrow so I'm hoping it will help.

[genesishanna 2]

Wow!! I am 10 days post op with no fill yet either. I can't finish anything yet....well I can.. it takes me a bit of time. It takes me an hour for a Protein shake and I have to re-visit a Soup several times before I can finish it. I am afraid I am not eating enough or taking in enough fluids. Just trying to get in the daily amount of Water makes me so full. I went to a restaurant last night with friends and just the smell of the food made me full. I took my soup home. Mind you I ordered 1 soup and the server needed two take home soup bowls to get all of the soup that he served me in one bowl. It's amazing how conscious I am of the portions now. I would have eaten that soup and then some before this surgery. I went from 273 the day of surgery and am now 268. I was originally 298. No excercise yet(am starting walking today) except light weights....trying to prevent sagging skin. My friends who have had the procedure are encouraging me to eat more(they said Protein shakes should be my best friend right now) so that I get my nutrients so maybe it is ok that you can eat it but in a week or two it may be a drastic change for you when you cannot. I am trying to stay away from carbs. My surgeon told me with or without this surgery carbs are not my friend.

How would you describe your full feeling? I get a pressure in my chest. The first week it was a little painful but not anymore. As soon as I feel that pressure I stop eating or drinking.

I am happy you brought up the full feeling because I really want to know what that is. I was just banded on Friday, but I am not hungry at all. I guess that's the full feeling? I've just decided not to push it. If Im not hungry, I don't eat. I sip on my fluids all day and even with that I dont push it. Between yesterday and today I have been able to finish 1 cup of sugar free Jello. Thats an accomplishment within itself. I know this is still early for me, but I am curious to know what the actual full feeling feels like.